YEG’s Victoria Cross Winners article in Edmonton Journal

The Edmonton Journal and Post Media have put out a First World War website dedicated to commemorating that conflict. I was very happy to contribute an article on Edmonton’s VC winners that was printed in this Saturday’s paper and is now online here. Thanks to the staff at the Loyal Edmonton Regiment Museum and CanadianContinue reading “YEG’s Victoria Cross Winners article in Edmonton Journal”

Fort Edmonton Park Talks Decolonization

I was invited to give two short sessions on the politics of voice and decolonization last week to the folks at Fort Edmonton Park. Considering they ran from 8:30-9:30am (which is really early to talk about such heavy topics), the participants were incredibly enthusiastic and engaged. I really enjoyed our discussions and I know weContinue reading “Fort Edmonton Park Talks Decolonization”

Alberta Railway Museum: All Aboard for History and Fun!

It may be a little off the beaten track, but the Alberta Railway Museum is worth the drive if you’re a history buff – or the parent of small children. In fact, when my family and I ventured over on Sunday, June 15 (Father’s Day), the majority of people there were young families, often withContinue reading “Alberta Railway Museum: All Aboard for History and Fun!”

City Hall School – Citizenship Fair 2014

I hadn’t heard of Edmonton’s City Hall School program until instructor and coordinator Linda Hut contacted me this spring. Now I’m a huge fan – especially after getting to take part in a session earlier this month. On Friday, June 13, I got to attend the wrap-up event and was inspired by the student repsContinue reading “City Hall School – Citizenship Fair 2014”

Photographic Memory at River Ridge Seniors Centre

On Friday, June 6, I had the pleasure of meeting with a dozen residents in the colourful art studio at River Ridge. The workshop was part of an outreach program sponsored by the Creative Age Festival and allowed me to connect with these lovely folks from Memory Lane, a unit that caters to people with differentContinue reading “Photographic Memory at River Ridge Seniors Centre”

#yeghistory talent: Rebecca Lappa and the Elephant Stampede of 1926

THE GREAT EDMONTON ELEPHANT STAMPEDE OF 1926 Wednesday, June 11 at 6pm Friday, June 13 at 8pm at The Living Room Playhouse created, composed and performed by Rebecca Lappa In 1926, the Sells Floto Circus parade turned into a full on stampede in down town Edmonton as a herd of elephants escaped from their enclosures.Continue reading “#yeghistory talent: Rebecca Lappa and the Elephant Stampede of 1926”

The War to End All Wars: Resources

With the 100th anniversary of the First World War upon us, I’ve had the privilege to research and think about this conflict in more depth than I have since I wandered around Montreal and Ottawa in undergrad snapping photos of war memorials. I was following in the footsteps of historian Jonathan Vance, whose wonderful book,Continue reading “The War to End All Wars: Resources”

Shrink Rays and Airplanes: City Hall School

On Monday I got the chance to hang out with the Grade One’s from John A. McDougall school for an hour. It was so much fun! First we listened to coordinator/instructor Linda Hut take us on a historic walk of downtown Edmonton, with great factoids about everything from City Hall to the Alberta Hotel toContinue reading “Shrink Rays and Airplanes: City Hall School”

2014 Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame Dinner in Calgary

As Cmdr Chris Hadfield said in his speech, too often fame and celebrity is bestowed on those who don’t deserve it. Hadfield, that Canadian commander of the International Space Station who stole our hearts with his tweets, spaced-out songs, and gorgeous photos of Earth, was absolutely right when he said this year’s inductees deserved toContinue reading “2014 Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame Dinner in Calgary”